José Mourinho has once again reignited controversy at Manchester United, this time taking aim at Luke Shaw while issuing a stark warning to the club’s current manager. The former Old Trafford boss, never shy about voicing strong opinions, has labeled Shaw as a major liability — even going so far as to claim the defender was central to Erik ten Hag’s downfall and could easily derail another manager’s career. Mourinho went as far as to call Shaw a “ticking time bomb,” suggesting that continued faith in him will only lead to disaster before the season concludes.
The remarks landed just hours before United’s crucial derby against Manchester City, heightening their impact. For Mourinho, this wasn’t simply routine criticism but rather a direct message: Shaw’s presence in the lineup represents danger to managerial stability. His words carry added weight given his long and well-documented history of clashes with the England international during his time in charge at United. Back then, Mourinho frequently questioned Shaw’s fitness, attitude, and mental strength. His most recent statements seem like an extension of that old feud — casting Shaw as a player who cannot be trusted to consistently deliver at the highest level.
Mourinho specifically pointed to Ten Hag’s loyalty to Shaw as a fatal error. In his view, the Dutchman’s decision to repeatedly rely on the left-back, despite recurring injuries and uneven performances, contributed heavily to his downfall. Now, Mourinho warns that continuing on the same path will only bring about another managerial sacking. The timing of his attack is deliberate — United are already under immense scrutiny heading into Pep Guardiola’s City side, and Mourinho has ensured Shaw is at the center of attention. If Shaw starts and falters, Mourinho’s comments will dominate the headlines. If he is left out, speculation will inevitably swirl about whether the coach has bowed to outside influence.
This creates an impossible scenario. By targeting Shaw, Mourinho has essentially set a trap: play him and risk disaster, or drop him and invite questions of weakness. Either way, the spotlight is fixed firmly on the defender.
The debate surrounding Shaw is sharply divided. Critics point to his recurring injuries, lapses in concentration, and perceived lack of intensity as evidence that he has failed to meet the standard demanded at Manchester United. Supporters, however, highlight his technical quality, his ability to push forward and contribute in attack, and the resilience he has shown in bouncing back from serious setbacks. To them, Mourinho’s personal feud with Shaw clouds his judgment, reducing the defender to an easy scapegoat for broader issues at the club.
What Mourinho has ultimately achieved is a shift in focus. Instead of the discussion being about United’s systemic weaknesses — leadership, accountability, and overall structure — the narrative now revolves around a single player. By singling out Shaw, Mourinho has ensured the noise surrounding him will overshadow much of the build-up to the derby. Whether Shaw rises to the occasion or struggles under the weight of expectation, the scrutiny will be relentless. In Mourinho’s eyes, though, one truth stands unshaken: Luke Shaw isn’t merely a player, but a gamble no Manchester United manager can afford to take lightly.
